Electric switch



Dec. v23,- 1941.

w. scHMlD ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed March 4, 1957 HTTOR/VE )f Patented Dec. 23, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC SWITCH William Schmid, Bronso mesne assignments, to

poration,

n, Mich., assigner, by Kingston Products Cora corporation of Indiana Application March 4, 1937, Serial No. 128,894

(c1. o-1s) 17 Claims.

when the bridge means is moved by the lever in either direction a predetermined distance. More specifically the object is to provide an arrangement in which the resilient means functions to urge the contact means forward to -cause the bridge means to tilt and slide with respect to the contact means as the bridge means is moved back and forth by the lever.

Another object is to construct a switch housing, preferably consisting of a body of insulating material, and a metal cover therefor which supports the switch, and means on the body and means onthe cover whereby'the body and cover may be easily and quickly guided with respect to each other during assembly, the said means on the cover also being of such a character that the sides of the body are braced.

A further object of the invention is kto provide means of identification upon a number of the switch parts in order that they may be assembled together in proper relation to each other, and so that one may determine by the position of the lever as to whether or not the circuit is open or closed.

Another object is to design and construct the cover and the lever of the switch whereby they limit the distance the bridge means travels in each direction.

A still further object of the invention is to design and construct a switch consisting of very few parts, which may be easily and quickly assembled, and economically manufactured commercially.

Referring to the drawing wherein like parts of the switch are identified by the same characters:

Figure 1 is an enlarged side View of the toggle switch; y

Figure 2 is an end View of the switch shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same switch, clearly showing the principles of design and construction, and the fact that the circuit is open between the spaced apart contact means;V A y Figure 4 is a modification of a toggle switch, which substantially corresponds to'the switch shown in Figures 1 through 3, except that other means are employed whereby to limit the travel of the bridge means in each direction;

Figure 5 is'another modification. of a toggle switch which functions substantially the same as the modifications above, except that provision is made whereby two electrical circuits may be controlled in lieu of one; and

Figure 6 is still another modification of ay switch, disclosing means whereby the bridge means may be moved back and forth into operative relation with respect to the contact means through the agency of a reciprocating rod.

Referring rst to Figures 1 through 3 of the drawing, wherein the preferred embodiment of the switchz is disclosed, the housing for the switching mechanism includes a body I, and a cover 2 therefor which is adapted to support the switch. Spaced apart movable contact means 3 and 4, andbridge means 5 operatively related to the contact means are carried by the body, and a lever B is mounted on the combined cover and support 2 for moving the bridge means with respect to the contact means for controlling the electrical circuit.

' The body part I of the switch housing is preierably constructed of insulating material, and formed with a rectangular chamber 'I therein, which accommodates and guides the bridge means and carrier block therefor as the two are moved back and forth by the lever.

The body may be formed into any suitable shape, but as here shown, is preferably oval, one extremity being provided with a bottom wall 8 which supports the contact means 3 and 4, and the opposite extremity 9 which abuts the cover 2, is preferably rectangular in shape.

The extremity 9 is provided With four corner projections I0, and centrally located side projections II, which extend outwardly from the body. Two of the corner projections are shown in Figure 2, while one of the side projections is shown in Figure 1.

The cover 2 of the switch housing is provided with a pair of spaced apart depending side-portions I2, having a pair of spaced apart fingers I3 and I4 adjacent at one end. As clearly shown,

y the side portions vI2 and the innermost fingers I3 are arranged to provide a bifurcation I5 centrally located at each side of the cover to accommOdate the side projections II on the body, and

this provides an arrangement whereby the body and cover y/may be guided into proper relation with each other during assembly. If desired, the opposed marginal edges of the portions. l2 may be sheared as indicated at I6, in order that the projections II may be easily and quickly piloted into the bifurcation during assembly. The portions I2 and the fingers I3 and I4 are of a suicient length and character to extend along and engage the sides of the body to brace same. As clearly shown, the fingers I4 on the portions I2; are adapted to be clinched over upon the corner" projections IU after the other parts of the switch have been previously located in their respective relative positions.

The cover 2 is also preferably provided with end contlnuations I6, having threaded apertures II through which fastening means may extend in order to hold the switch in fixed relation to a suitable support. Adjacent the center of the face of the cover there is formed an outwardly extending protuberance which provides a socket portion I8 having an elongated 'slot I9 therein. The socket I8 accommodates the bearing formation 20 intermediate the ends of the lever 6, and

the outer and free extremity of the lever, which provides a handle for operating the switch, extends lthrough the slot I9, and the inner extremity is of a length and character to loosely cooperate withV a pocket 2l, provided in the upper extremity of the carrier block 22. Thus the lever is not fixedly secured to either .the cover 2 or may be employed to hold the contact plate in relation to the carrier block, the same is preferablyf'held by providing ngers 24 adjacent the sides of the contact plate, near one end thereof, which seat within notches formed in the sides of the block. I

Referring now particularly to Figure 3, it will be evident that the lower extremity of the switch body is preferably provided with two round wells 25and 26 separated by an integral partition 21. An aperture 28, preferably polygonal in shape, is provided in the wall forming the bottom of each well, and the body portion 29 of each of the contact means projects through the aperture 28. The body portions 29 correspond in shape to the apertures 28 so that the contact means are held against rotation, and this is essential in the use of the type of contact and terminal means shown,-othe r wise the terminals retained by the contacts might engage each other and effect a short in the circuit. The inner extremity of each contact means is provided with an enlarged contact 30 fitted thereon, and the outer extremity with a terminal receiving aperture 3|.

As clearly shown, resilient means, in the form of a coiled compression spring 32 is seated within the confines of each of the wells 25 and 26, and surrounds the body part of each of the contact means to normally urge the contacts forward,v whereby one or both may be engaged by the bridge means 5. f

A detent is arranged in the body of each of the contact means so that the portion 33 of the detent projects into the terminal receiving aperture 3l, and a helical spring (not shown) is also arranged within the body of each of the contact means, and functions to urge the detent against a stop provided therefor on the body to limitl the outward vmovement of the detent. Each of the terminal receiving apertures 3l is adapted to accommodate and resiliently retain in relation thereto a terminal preferably of the kind shwn immediately at the left of the contact means in Figure 2, the groove 34 in the terminal being cooperable with the detent portion 33.

It will be evident upon referring to Figure 3, that vthe switch circuit is open as the bridge means 5, although continually in engagement withthe contact means 4, is out of engagement with the contact means 3J It will also be apparent that regardless of whether or not the circuit is open or closed, the bridge means always remains ina tilted position, and that one or the other of the contact means 3 and 4 is extended outwardly more than the other, except when the lever is at the mid-point of its travel.

When the lever is operated to move the bridge means and carrier, for example, from open circuit to circuit closing position, both of the contact means are first pressed outwardly a slight extent until the contact means 4 remains practically stationary, whereupon the contact means 3 is depressed farther, and just before the lever reaches the mid-point of its travel, the contact means 4 moves inwardly, and at the mld-point both contact means are depressed the same distance, and as the lever passes the mid-point, the springs about the contact means function and urge the contact means to quickly pivot the bridge means and cause same to slide into engagement with the contact means A3, the left end of the carrier block striking against the left wall of the body l. It is to be understood that the bridge means 5 may engage both of the contact means just in advance of the point at which `the bridge is automatically tilted V0r thrown' through the action of the springs 32.

' that the contact means 4 is adapted to be hooked in with a certain side of the circuit.' Thus, by providing certain indicia upon the switch body, carrier block, and contact means 4, information is given as to the relative positions the parts are to assume when assembled; and iffor example, the switch is to be mounted in a vertical position with the lever elevated and the switch is hooked up properly7 in the circuit, it will -be known that upward and' downward movement of the lever will open and close the circuit, respectively.

Referring to Figure 4 wherein a second modiiication Aof the switch is clearly shown, it will be apparent that the same substantially corresponds to the design of the preferred switch construction above described, except for the provision oi other means for limiting the travel of the bridge and its carrier. In this modification, the inner extremity 5I of the switch lever is of a larger diameter than the outer extremity so that it strikes the wall forming the socket 52 on the cover to limit the throws of the lever, the carrier block being of a length so that the ends thereof do not strike the walls of the body I of the housing.

The modification of the switch shown in Figure is in many respects similar in construction to the modifications above described, b ut diifers primarily to the extent that means are provided for controlling two electrical circuits. The switch housing, as here shown, includes a body 60 and a cover 6l, the latter of which supports the switch. A plurality of spaced apart contact means 62, 63 and 64 are carried by the body 60, and a bridge means 65 and a carrier block 66 therefor are arranged for movement relative to the contact means 62, 63 and 64 by means of the lever 68 mounted on the cover 6I. The bridge means and carrier move within the chamber 69, which is formed by the cavity in the body and the depression 10, formed in the cover. If desired, a projection such as 1| may be provided adjacent the upper extremity of the switch body at either end for insertion into an aperture 12 in the cover, in order that the switch body and cover may be piloted and centered in` proper relation during assembly.

As clearly shown, the bridge means 65 is continually in contact with the center contact means 63 regardless of the position of the lever. When the lever is moved to the left as shown in the drawing, the bridge means 65 closes the circuit between the contact means 63 and 64, and when moved to the right the circuit between contacts 62 and 63 is closed, and the circuit between contacts 63 and 64 is opened. When the lever is i moved to an erect position, the mid-point between the extreme left and right positions, both circuits are opened. The lever is preferably maintained in an erect position by a pair of outwardly extending cams 13 provided adjacent the lower surface of the carrier block 66 in spaced relation to the ends of the bridge means, and the distance between the cams is such that the opposed cam faces 14 cooperate with the conical surfaces 15 on the enlarged contacts provided adjacent the inner extremities of the contact means 62 and 64. In this arrangement the snap action is not pronounced, yet there is sufficient force created by the resilient means operatively related to the contact means to assist in tilting the bridge as it is moved in either direction a predetermined distance from its central or neutral position.

Referring to the modiiication of the switch shown in closed circuit position in Figure 6, it will be evident that the bridge means 80 and carrierblock 8| therefor are adapted to'be moved back and forth with respect to the contact means through the agency of an actuating rod 82, which preferably extends through one of the walls of the switch body. A guidemember 83 of sheet metal is affixed to the inner end of the rod 82, and preferably surrounds the block 8| in such a manner that the block may float. A fulcrum 84 has its inner end seated within a slot provided therefor adjacent the top of the block, and the opposite end of the fulcrum is provided with a reduced extremity85, which' is adapted to ride in a slot provided therefor in the socket 86. When the rod is reciprocated, the bridge means 80 and block will tilt Within the guide means 83, and automatically adjust themselves with respect to the spaced apart contact means to open and close the circuit.

A tubular bushing 81 is preferably secured to the angular extension 88 of the cover whereby to secure the switch to a mounting, the mounting being adapted to be clamped between the extension 88 and a nut, the latter of which is not shown. Obviously, the switch may be mounted as shown in the other modificationseabove described.

If so desired, a loose connection may be provided between the actuating rod 82 and the guide member 83, in which case the carrier block 8l would be xedly secured and not loosely mounted within the guide member. By this construction the guide block and bridge means as a unit would be connected to the inner end of the rod 82 in such a manner that the unit might tilt and automatically adjust itself with respect to the spaced apart contact means. It is also contemplated to mount an actuating rod in a bearing similar to the extension 88 and bushing 81 adjacent the upper extremity of the switch, and a connection between the rod and the outer free end of the lever whereby the lever may be pivoted through reciprocation of the rod.

Having thus described my invention, it is obvious that various immaterial modifications maybe made in the same without departing from the spirit of the invention; and therefore, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement, and combination of parts, herein shown and described.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an electric switch, a spaced apart reciprocably mounted contact means, each of said contact means having a contact at one extremity and means at the` other extremity for resiliently retaining a terminal, bridge means for slidably engaging said contacts tiltable to bodily reciprocate said contact means, and means for operating said bridge means.

2. In an electric switch, a support, spaced apart contact means reciprocably mounted upon said support, each of lsaid contact means having a contact at one extremity and means for resiliently retaining a tremity, resilient means operatively related to each of said contact means, operating means, bridge means lsupported by said contact means and said operating means, the arrangement being such that certain movement of said operating means will cause said operating means and said resilient means to act upon said bridge means to tilt and rapidly slide over said contacts for a. predetermined distance and thereafter snap into a final position.

3. In an electric switch, a support, spaced apart reciprocating contact means carried thereby and having a contact at one end and means at the other end for reslliently retaining a terminal, bridge means, and means for tilting said bridge means to gradually engage and reciprocate said contact means bodily with respect to said support.

4. In an electric switch, a movable fulcrum, spaced apart contact means, bridge means operatively related to said fulcrum and said contact means, and resilient means functioning to urge said contact means to tilt said bridge means into sliding engagement with said Contact means when the fulcrum is moved in a predetermined direction towad said contact means.

5. In an electric switch, a movable fulcrum, bridge means operatively related to said fulcrum, spaced apart contact means adapted to be enterminal at the other exgaged by said bridge means, and resilient means functioning to urge said contact means to tilt said bridge means when the fulcrum is moved in a direction toward'either of said contact means.

6. An electric switch including, spaced apart yieldable contact means, each of said contact `means having a contact at one end and means for resiliently retaining a terminal at the other end, bridge means operatively related-*to said contact means, means for moving the bridge spaced apart contact means extending through l said support and provided with means whereby a conductor may be resiliently connected thereto, bridge means supported upon said contact means, an oscillating fulcrum for said bridge means, and resilient means associated with each of said contact means whereby to reciprocate same to tilt and slide -said bridge means into engagement with said contact means to close a circuit when said fulcrum is moved beyond a predetermined point in one direction, and when moved beyond said point in the opposite direction to `open said circuit by tripping said bridge means to engage but one of said contact means.

9. In an electric switch, spaced apart reciprocably mounted contact means including intermediate contact means, and bridge'means normally continually in engagement with said intermediate contact means and out of engagement with said spaced contact means, operating means acting in conjunction with said contact i means for tilting said bridge means to reciprocate and engage one of the spaced contact means to close a circuit, and to tilt said bridge means in another direction to open said circuit and close another circuit by engaging said intermediate contact means and the other of sai spaced apart contact means.

10. In an electric switch, a support and spaced apart reciprocating contact means carried thereby, bridge means carried by said support and means acting in conjunction with said contact means for tilting said bridge means in one direction to reciprocate and engage both of said contact means to close a circuit and in the opposite direction to engage but one of said contact means to open said circuit.

11. In an electric switch, a support and spaced apart contact means carried thereby, a guide.

bridge means including a carrier therefor loosely connected to said guide and carried by said support, means cooperating with said carrier, and resilient means operatively related to the contact means and acting in concert with said cooperating means for tilting the bridge means into open and closing circuit positions with the contact means when said guide is moved back and forth.

12. In an electric switch, a support and spaced apart contact means carried thereby, bridge means, reciprocating -means for moving the bridge means with respect to the contact means carried by said support, means associated with said bridge means and resilient means associated with the contact means and acting in conjunction with said means associated with said bridge means for tilting the bridge means as the ,same is reciprocated.

13. In an electric switch, a movable fulcrum, spaced apart yieldable contact means, bridge means operatively related to said fulcrum and said contact means, said fulcrum and the yieldable action of -said contact means functioning to tilt said bridge means into sliding engagement with said contact means when said fulcrum is moved in a. predetermined direction toward said contact means.

14. In an electric switch, spaced apart yieldable contact means, each of said contact means having a contact atone extremity and means at the otherextremity for resiliently retaining a terminal, bridge means for slidably engaging said lcontacts tiltable to cause at least portions of said contact means to be depressed, and means.

for operating said bridge means.

15. In an electric switch, a movable lever, spaced apart yieldable contact means, bridge means pivotally mounted with respect to the inner extremity of said lever and also operatively related to said contact means, the yieldable action of said contact means functioning to tilt the bridge means into sliding engagement with the contact means when the lever is moved in a predetermined direction.

16. In an electric switch, a movable lever, bridge means pivotally mounted with respect t0 the inner extremity of said lever, spaced apart yieldable contact means adapted to be engaged by said bridge means, the yieldableA action of said contact means functioning to tilt said bridge means when the lever is moved in a, predetermined direction.

17. In an electric switch, a housing, a plurality of yieldable contacts carried by said housing, an operating lever movably mounted with respect to said housing, and bridge means resiliently and slidably mounted on said yieldable contact means and bearing against the inner extremity of said lever for tiltable movement with respect thereto when the lever is oscillated.

| WILLIAM SCHMID. 

